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The avian influenza (AI) virus, which is the type A influenza virus adapted to an avian host, has been an important pathogen for the poultry industry worldwide for many years. Although the cause was unknown at the time, one of the first recognized outbreaks of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) virus occurred in Europe in the 1870s. Since 1955, when the AI virus was first identified, there have been about 24 outbreaks of the HPAI virus in domestic poultry worldwide. Of those, perhaps the most consequential HPAI virus strain to emerge has been the Asian H5N1 HPAI virus, which was first seen in Southeast Asia around 1997. Until sometime in 2003, this strain had been mainly involved in sporadic outbreaks and was relatively contained. Then in 2004, reports of infection in poultry increased throughout Asia at about the same time as fatal cases of human infections in several Southeast Asian countries were confirmed. By 2006, the virus had spread further throughout Asia, into Africa and Europe, and as far west as the United Kingdom.
List of contents
A Brief Introduction to the Avian Influenza Virus.- Avian Influenza Virus Sample Types, Collection, and Handling.- Avian Influenza Virus RNA Extraction from Tissue and Swab Material.- Type A Influenza Virus Detection and Quantitation by Real-Time RT-PCR.- Detection and Identification of the H5 Hemagglutinin Subtype by Real-Time RT-PCR.- Avian Influenza Virus Isolation and Propagation in Chicken Eggs.- Hemagglutination Assay for the Avian Influenza Virus.- Hemagglutination-Inhibition Test for Avian Influenza Virus Subtype Identification and the Detection and Quantitation of Serum Antibodies to the Avian Influenza Virus.- Neuraminidase-Inhibition Assay for the Identification of Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Subtype or Neuraminidase Antibody Specificity.- Immunohistochemical Staining for the Detection of the Avian Influenza Virus in Tissues.- Wild Bird Surveillance for the Avian Influenza Virus.- Reverse Genetics of the Avian Influenza Virus.- Evaluating the Cell-Mediated Immune Response of Avian Species to Avian Influenza Viruses.- Measurement of Avian Cytokines with Real-Time RT-PCR Following Infection with the Avian Influenza Virus.
Summary
The avian influenza (AI) virus, which is the type A influenza virus adapted to an avian host, has been an important pathogen for the poultry industry worldwide for many years. Although the cause was unknown at the time, one of the first recognized outbreaks of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) virus occurred in Europe in the 1870s. Since 1955, when the AI virus was first identified, there have been about 24 outbreaks of the HPAI virus in domestic poultry worldwide. Of those, perhaps the most consequential HPAI virus strain to emerge has been the Asian H5N1 HPAI virus, which was first seen in Southeast Asia around 1997. Until sometime in 2003, this strain had been mainly involved in sporadic outbreaks and was relatively contained. Then in 2004, reports of infection in poultry increased throughout Asia at about the same time as fatal cases of human infections in several Southeast Asian countries were confirmed. By 2006, the virus had spread further throughout Asia, into Africa and Europe, and as far west as the United Kingdom.
Additional text
From the reviews:
"This small book focuses on the laboratory methods used to study the avian influenza strains. … this book is very timely. … would be most useful to scientists researching the spread and genetics of avian influenza. … is a useful book for laboratories needing a quick reference on several difficult laboratory techniques. It is comprehensive enough to answer the difficult questions … ." (Rebecca T. Horvat, Doody’s Review Service, May, 2008)
"This book focuses on both the standard virological methods that are fundamental for influenza virus research and diagnostics ... . Each chapter has been supplied with a brief summary, and a rich list of references, tables, graphs and photographs. The book is concluded by a Subject Index. This book may be recommended to all who need extensive information about field and laboratory work with avian influenza viruses, since many important protocols/procedures have not been described in such detail elsewhere." (G. Russ, Folia Microbiologica, Vol. 53, November, 2008)
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From the reviews:
"This small book focuses on the laboratory methods used to study the avian influenza strains. ... this book is very timely. ... would be most useful to scientists researching the spread and genetics of avian influenza. ... is a useful book for laboratories needing a quick reference on several difficult laboratory techniques. It is comprehensive enough to answer the difficult questions ... ." (Rebecca T. Horvat, Doody's Review Service, May, 2008)
"This book focuses on both the standard virological methods that are fundamental for influenza virus research and diagnostics ... . Each chapter has been supplied with a brief summary, and a rich list of references, tables, graphs and photographs. The book is concluded by a Subject Index. This book may be recommended to all who need extensive information about field and laboratory work with avian influenza viruses, since many important protocols/procedures have not been described in such detail elsewhere." (G. Russ, Folia Microbiologica, Vol. 53, November, 2008)
